"You have not because you ask not". The great mystery and tragedy of Christianity is not unanswered prayer. It is unoffered prayer. How much different would the world be, would our world be if we were serious about asking?
When God knocked down the walls of Jericho, He delivered on a 400 year old promise to Abraham. People die but our prayers don't die with us. God stores them up to deliver on His promise at just the right moment.
Jesus only stands at the door and knocks. He doesn't huff and puff and blow your door down to make you do what He wants. You get to decide. Make the choice to open the door.
As we approach Mother's Day, it is good to remember that every major deliverance story in the Bible starts with the story of the leader's mother. Never underestimate the power of your family time.
You might have arrived at the end of your strength. But that is not the end of the story --- you will never get to the end of God's strength. Lean on Him.
In the heart of every man is a throne where only God belongs. It is your job to make sure that only God occupies the throne in your heart, because He faces a lot of competition from the things of this world.
Our desires are dangerous. Following our wants and feelings can lead to addiction, destroy relationships, or destroy the blessings given by God. Biblical freedom starts with the ability to tell yourself, "No." Only when we control our desires through God can we really be free.
We don't pray to tell God things He doesn't know or remind Him of things He's forgotten. He is a perfect gentleman and won't interfere unless you ask. He's waiting for you to invite Him to help. "You have not because you ask not..."
Freedom begins with telling yourself the truth. No rationalizations, no cop-outs, no excuses. Just honesty in your heart. "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."